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Culture丨National Museum springs into season

CHINADAILY · 公众号 · 时评 · 2025-03-13 15:18

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When he ascended to the throne, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) inherited an affluent monarchy from his industrious grandfather, Emperor Kangxi, and father, Emperor Yongzheng.

Qianlong was in his mid-20s at the time. The country he was to reign was politically stable and economically well developed, and so besides fulfilling his duties as a ruler, he was able to invest more time and energy than his predecessors into cultural life, inside and outside the imperial palace.

▲ A tripod incense burner with scrolling lotus motif of the Qing Dynasty. Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily

The successive reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong produced one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history. Qianlong in particular was known for his discernment and patronage of art.

For instance, on a spring day such as this, the emperor would enjoy the warmer weather and green views with excursions. He would experience much the same pleasures in his living spaces, where he was surrounded by works of art and craft dedicated to blooming spring scenes, objects presented to him by his subordinates, or made to order.

▲ From left: Painted pottery snake (left) and dragon from a Tang Dynasty collection of zodiac animal figurines. Qianlong-era lantern-shape vase which bears taohuadong glaze. A flower vase of the Qing Dynasty. Photo provided to China Daily

Visit Beijing's National Museum of China, and the ongoing long-term exhibition Embracing the Spring , it presents close-up views of some of the finest objects that once adorned Qianlong's life.

It is no longer possible to hold the elaborate pieces on show as the emperor once did, such as the small cup with majestic yanzhishui (watery rouge-red) glaze made during his grandfather's rule, or the lantern-shape vase with the unique taohuadong (peach blossom hole) glaze made during his own reign.

Tang Ying, a senior court official and ceramic artist of repute, served in the courts of Yongzheng and Qianlong, and supervised production at the imperial kilns.

He once described how the eyecatching taohuadong glaze was made via a glaze-blowing method. "Use a cut bamboo tube, cover one end with a piece of gauze, dip it in different colored glaze, and blow the glaze onto a thin, white pot to achieve the effect. Do this three or four times, depending on the size of the piece and the type of glaze, and even more than a dozen times, if necessary."

The result is a dazzlingly colorful effect, reminiscent of fireworks lighting up the night.

Embracing the Spring continues an annual tradition at the museum on Chang'an Avenue, which regularly holds a themed exhibition right before Spring Festival to celebrate the new year in anticipation of spring.

The exhibitions usually include artifacts featuring the specific Chinese zodiac animal of that year. For example, this year, it is the snake, as well as other objects that embody good wishes and blessings, such as longevity, prosperity and peace.

Culture丨National Museum springs into season

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